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Smooth Chanterelle

Bright orange to yellow cap, wavy margins; smooth on the underside. Grows singly or in groups of up to very many in the soil. Late June to early August. Cap convex, becoming flat to funnel shaped, sunken in center, sometimes flowerlike; orange to orange-yellow; texture smooth. Underside orange to yellow, smooth or slightly ridged; does not have true gills. Stalk can be curved or off-center; orange to yellowish to whitish; texture smooth; flesh is white. Spore print pinkish yellow. Spores magnified are elliptical, smooth.

Lookalikes: The poisonous jack-o’-lantern (Omphalotus illudens) grows clustered on stumps or buried wood, has close, sharp-edged gills, and fruits in the fall. The hedgehog (Hydnum repandum) has a toothed underside. The golden chanterelle (Cantharellus cibarius) has forked ridges on the underside.

Grows singly or in groups of up to very many in moss, leaves, grass, in paths, and under oaks. Reappears year after year in the same areas. It is very common when in season, and you should find plenty in Missouri’s oak-hickory forests (though you have to be willing to brave ticks, chiggers, and sweat rolling down your face). The smooth chanterelle can be small, tight, and round, or it can be large and flowerlike with wavy edges. Either way, it is easy to identify.

Distribution in Missouri:

Statewide.

Status:

A choice edible mushroom—with caution. Take care not to confuse chanterelles with the poisonous jack-o’-lantern. Smooth chanterelles are best preserved by sautéing in butter with a little onion and freezing in plastic zip bags. Many people say they have a fruity smell, like the odor of apricots.

Life cycle:

This species is mycorrhizal: It exists as a network of cells (mycelium) connected to tree roots, in a symbiotic relationship with the tree (but not growing on wood). This species is particularly associated with oaks. When ready to reproduce, the mycelium develops mushrooms, which are reproductive structures. Spores are produced on the underside of the cap and are released to begin new mycelia elsewhere. The mycelium of a mushroom can live for decades.

Human connections:

Chanterelles are especially prized for their culinary value and are a favorite of mushroom hunters in many countries in Asia and Europe, as well as here. Mushroom hunting is an exciting, fun, and rewarding hobby.

Ecosystem connections:

This is one of many fungus species that help nourish forest trees through symbiosis. The netlike fibers of the fungus cover the surface of a tree’s roots, increasing the surface area and the roots’ ability to absorb water and nutrients. In return, the tree shares nutrients with the fungus.

Jack-o’-lanterns are bright orange to yellowish orange, with sharp-edged gills that descend the stalk. They grow in clusters, at the base of stumps, and from buried roots of oak and other deciduous wood.

In a lobster mushroom, the cap, gills, and stalk of a host mushroom are covered by a finely bumpy, vivid orange to orange-red layer of mold. The gills of the host mushroom can be entirely obscured by the parasite.

Regs and Areas

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